State Agriculture and Fisheries minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (pic) said many local produce are no longer given attention to, as the race towards creating better genetics of plants and food sources intensifies.
He said these overlooked plants that are considered endemic to Sabah or have been around for generations in villages statewide have their own uses and benefits, and are at risk of extinction if they are not gathered, documented and preserved.
“Food and plant experts all over the world are busy competing to create super varieties including genetically modified organisms (GMO), but also many species of local plants and herbs that should be promoted as well,” he said.